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Random Encounters are Easy

Random Encounters in video games are not a challenge, just intended to slow you down.

Name Space:Main

Page Type:Trope

In some JRP Gs, the only real challenges in the game are the bosses. Although Random Encounters exist, they aren't a real challenge as far as the game goes. In these types of games, Random Encounters only exist to lengthen gameplay and give you the thrill of beating up monsters rather than being difficult. However, be prepared for some crazy hard bosses.

Examples needed. Currently I can think of Chaos Rings, but there are more examples out there.

Final Fantasy II punishes players for wandering too far out of the area around the starting town (at little as 10 steps to the south or west) with random encounters featuring level 30+ monsters. Very easy to get completely wiped out before you can even attempt to run away.

In Final Fantasy X 2, it's possible to randomly encounter a boss capable of wiping your party out in one move while wandering around the Al Bhed desert at the start of the game. It usually doesn't become beatable until at least level 40 or so.

If it does go ahead surely we should only list aversions? Most RPGs have enemies that are rather easy but they end up Cherry Tapping the player to death, as their HP and MP slowly gets depleted with successive battles; with only bosses or rare encounters providing much of a challenge.

I don't know. Some games when your at the expected level, or even well below it, random encounters mean nothing. while other game make random encounters relevant (for instance even if they don't kill you they may drain resources to the point that your too weakened to take on the final boss?)

Admitedly listing all the examples where this trope is applicable would be tedious and silly. but perhaps a trope for the aversion where random encounters are not assumed to be easy would be worth having?

Dragon Quest VIII has no qualms against throwing you to the wolves right at the start of the game. Yangus and the Hero will find themselves struggling to make it through the first few levels due to such a tight budget the game gives you to buy starting equipment and healing items. Most of the hard earned money you make is spent every 3-4 battles just healing up at the Inn and/or reviving your partner from the dead. Even when you finally do start to get your footing, random encounters don't start to become any easier until you make it to the next town and find your next party member.

At least that example plays this trope straight in regards to slowing down your progress.

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